Marshall Dotson's Blog, page 5

Film Structure Video: Back to the Future

New Six Act video breakdown for the timeless time travel romp, Back to the Future. Bon appetit!

Movie Structure Breakdown: Titanic

Format: Movie

Released: 1997

Written and Directed By: James Cameron

Run Time: 187 Minutes

Character: Rose Dawson nee DeWitt Bukater

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal. But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role.

Rose Dawson, who is betrothed to a man she despises (the imperfect situation) at his and her mother’s insistence (oppressive opposition), struggles to come to terms with the arranged marriage (the initial goal). But when Cal and her mother continually insist on controlling her life, Rose runs to the back of the ship to commit suicide (the disturbance), meets the roguish Jack while contemplating her decision (the dilemma), and decides to befriend him instead of killing herself (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Rose is being forced into marriage with a man she dislikes. She is bored with her life and fed up with the stuffy rules governing her existence. If only she had been born poor.

Initial Goal: Rose is being forced to marry Cal against her will. She doesn’t want to but sees no way out of it.

Oppressive Opposition: Cal is a douchebag to Rose every chance he gets. 

The inventor of negging.

He criticizes her taste in art. He orders her food for her and snatches cigarettes out of her mouth. I’m pretty sure if he had a mustache he’d twirl it. Meanwhile, her mother refuses to listen to any of Rose’s objections to marrying Cal, insisting he is a “good match” because he’s rich.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  Over dinner, Rose has a sudden realization how the rest of her life will play out. This prompts her to run to the back of the ship to commit suicide by jumping overboard.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 36 of 187 minutes (19.2%) – Jack shows up and attempts to convince Rose that jumping into the Atlantic Ocean is a horribly stupid idea. She must choose between her terrible life, and heeding the advice of this charming, dirt-poor stranger.

The New Role: If Rose takes Jack up on his offer, she will become friends with a hobo. Eww!

Act Run Time: 45 out of 187 minutes (24.1%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal. But when he receives a Reality Check, he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 45 of 187 minutes (24.1%)

Rose learns about life on the other side from Jack (the unfamiliar situation) and is berated by her mother and Cal (incidental opposition) for trying to get to know him (the transitional goal). But when Cal reveals he had Lovejoy follow her, and her mother forbids her from seeing Jack again (the reality check), Jack sneaks back into first class and convinces Rose to be herself and have an affair with him (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Jack enters Rose’s privileged but strict world, and Rose enters Jack’s poor but carefree world.

Get jiggy with it.

Transitional Goal: Rose begins to get to know Jack, however, they haven’t begun a relationship in earnest yet.

Incidental Opposition: Rose’s mother shows up while she and Jack are hanging out on the decks. Her mother’s disdain for Jack is palpable. Later, Jack goes to their fancy dinner party and, much to Cal’s dismay, charms everyone at the table (except Rose’s mother, of course). Afterward, Lovejoy follows Rose to Jack’s party and reports his findings to Cal.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  The next day, Rose faces the reality of the world in which she lives. Over breakfast, Cal tells her he knows where, and with whom, she went the previous evening. He flips out and flips the table to demonstrate it visually. He demands that as his wife in training, she will honor him. Rose’s mother arrives shortly thereafter and reveals to the audience that Rose’s father has left their family penniless. They argue over her engagement Cal and who is the selfish one in their relationship.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 74 of 187 minutes (19.2%) – The same morning, Jack returns to first class to find Rose but is turned away by Mr. Lovejoy. Undeterred, Jack sneaks Rose into a room and confesses his feelings for her. Despite herself, she tells him to leave her alone. Over lunch, she remembers how boring her life will be when she sees a little girl being forced to be a lady by her mother. This prompts Rose to go find Jack on the bow of the ship. He gives her his patented “king of the world” treatment and Rose commits to her New Role by beginning a love affair with Jack. Her decision to be with Jack brings the new couple into the Central Conflict with Cal.

Act Run Time: 38 minutes of 187 minutes (20.3%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal. But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth.

Act Start Time: 83 of 187 minutes (44.4%)

Rose shuns and infuriates Cal (the central conflict) who sends Lovejoy after her (intentional opposition) for starting an all-out relationship with Jack (the false goal). But when the ship strikes an iceberg and Cal frames Jack for the theft of the heart of the ocean diamond (the turn), Rose realizes Jack is innocent and turns her back on Cal and her mother to rescue him (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Rose and Jack square off with Cal, Lovejoy, and the sinking ship.

False Goal: Rose attempts to have a relationship with Jack.

Schwing!

Intentional Opposition: Cal orders Lovejoy to find Rose, and she and Jack narrowly evade his pursuit. Cal finds the drawing of Rose in his safe and comes up with the awesome idea to frame Jack for a crime.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Rose and Jack get busy. The lookouts spot an iceberg. After much communication throughout the ship to turn, they hit it anyway. Cal tells a steward he has been robbed and to fetch the master of arms. Rose and Jack overhear what is going on with the iceberg and resolve to tell Cal and her mother. When they return Cal orders Jack searched, and they find the diamond Lovejoy planted on him. Jack pleads with Rose to believe him. She doesn’t. Mr. Andrews tells the captain the ship will sink in an hour or two at most.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 108 of 187 minutes (57.7%) – Back in their stateroom, Cal slaps Rose to demonstrate what their married life will be like. Meanwhile, Lovejoy leaves Jack to die in the slowly flooding detention area of the ship.

While they make their way to the lifeboats, Cal and Rose’s mother make saucy remarks about the state of the ship. Rose tells her mother to shut up and that half the people on the ship will die. Cal tells Rose Jack’s drawing will be worth more in the morning, prompting her to realize he set Jack up. Rose bids her mother a final goodbye. Cal tries to stop her but she spits in his face and flees. She now realizes the person she must be moving forward and makes the decision to fight against adversity for what she believes is right.

Act Run Time: 35 minutes of 187 minutes (18.7%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal. But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve.

Act Start Time: 118 of 187 minutes (63.1%)

Rose attempts to escape the ship with Jack (the doomed plan), by navigating the bowels of the sinking ship (self-inflicted opposition) and rescuing him from the detention area (the Penultimate Goal). But when the lifeboats are only taking women and Jack convinces Rose to go by herself (the lowpoint), she has a change of heart and jumps onto the lower decks to stay with him (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Rose goes to the detention area to save Jack, but there won’t be any lifeboats for them to escape aboard. Not to mention he dies at the end anyway. She only manages to add a few extra minutes to his life. Fail.

Penultimate Goal: Rose attempts to save Jack from the detention area in the bowels of the ship.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Rose’s trip into the heart of the sinking ship is her own doing. She could have just gotten on the lifeboat and left. All the hardship she encounters on her way is a result of her own decisions.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: The crewmen start shooting. Jack convinces Rose to board a lifeboat. Cal tells her he has an arrangement with a boat on the other side of the ship he will share with Jack. Rose is sad but agrees. Once Rose is on the boat being lowered into the ocean, Cal reveals to Jack that while he does have an arrangement with a boat, Jack won’t benefit from it. In your face, Jack.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 138 of 187 minutes (73.7%) – Looking up at Jack, Rose decides she cannot leave him and jumps from the lifeboat onto one of the lower decks.

With all the grace of a drunken kitten.

They run to each other and embrace. Rose reminds Jack that if he jumps, she jumps, mirroring their initial interaction at the Dilemma. She has decided nothing will come between her love for this guy she just met yesterday.

Act Run Time: 22 of 187 minutes (11.8%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal. But just when it seems All is Lost, he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 140 of 187 minutes (74.9%)

Rose and Jack must stay aboard the sinking ship as long as possible, and evade the now murderous Cal (the longshot), to survive together (the ultimate goal). But when the decks erupt into pandemonium as the ship breaks in half and sinks (all is lost), Rose and Jack manage to find each other in the ocean and use a piece of wood to get Rose out of the water (the final push).

The Longshot: Rose and Jack evade Cal and go to the back of the ship in attempt to stay on board as long as possible to survive the sinking of the Titanic.

Ultimate Goal: Rose wants to survive the sinking ship with Jack.

Ultimate Opposition: Cal tries to shoot the lovebirds with Lovejoy’s pistol. I guess if he can’t have her no one can. The ship sinks into the deathly cold of the Atlantic. Rose and Jack are separated.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: The decks are in chaos as the last lifeboats are loaded. Rose and Jack encounter Mr. Andrews who confesses he wishes to stay aboard the ship. Jack’s friend, Tommy is shot by a bastardo as the band plays to the end. Numerous other passengers struggle with the fact they are about to die.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 154 of 187 minutes (82.3%) – Rose and Jack make their way to the stern of the ship, knowing it is about to go under. Jack pulls Rose up onto the railing as the ship goes vertical.

“This was not in the brochure!”

As the ship slowly sinks, Jack tells Rose to hold his hand, kick, and not let go. She let’s go anyway. When Rose reaches the surfaces the world is in chaos, but Jack somehow manages to find her.

The reunited lovers swim away from the panicked masses. Rose gets aboard a piece of wood, but Jack can’t because he’s no good with physics. Rose tells Jack she loves him. He tells her she must live on to make babies and die an old lady. He makes her promise she will survive.

When the lifeboats finally come back, Rose awakens to find Jack is a handsome Popsicle.

Now in Dashing Blueberry Blast!

The lifeboats pass her while she is saying her goodbyes to Jack’s corpse. She tries to scream for them to come back but has no voice. In a last-ditch effort, she swims over to a dead guy, steals his whistle and blows it. Hearing her, the lifeboats come about.

Act Run Time: 38 minutes of 187 minutes (20.3%)

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation.

Act Start Time: 178 of 187 minutes (95.2%)

Having survived the sinking of the ship through Jack’s ultimate sacrifice, Rose is shown to have honored her promise to him by not marrying Cal and living a full and happy life on her own terms.

Girl Power!

The New Situation: Rose Prime gives the death toll in contrast to the number of survivors. Mr. Lovett, the leader of the expedition to find the missing heart-of-the-ocean diamond, finally “gets it”. Rose Prime throws the ridiculously expensive diamond into the ocean and watches it sink. We see Rose has lead a happy life through the pictures she conveniently displays on her nightstand. She either dies or falls asleep and is reunited with Jack and the other passengers aboard Titanic, who all offer a round of applause at her final kiss with Jack as the screen fades to white.

This isn’t creepy at all.

Act Run Time: 9 of 187 minutes (4.8%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: Star Wars: A New Hope

Format: Movie

Released: 1977

Written and Directed By: George Lucas

Run Time: 120 Minutes

Character: Luke Skywalker

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal. But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role.

Luke Skywalker, an adventurous orphan stuck on a desert farm (the imperfect situation) with his mean old aunt and uncle (oppressive opposition), wants to farm moisture for another season then go away to the Imperial Academy (the initial goal). But when Luke finds a message while cleaning a new droid, removes its restraining bolt and allows the droid to escape (the disturbance), he goes after it, meets Obi-Wan Kenobi and is asked to accompany him to Alderaan (the dilemma) and become a Jedi (the new role).  

The Imperfect Situation: Luke hates living in the middle of nowhere with his aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, the Empire controls the galaxy with an iron fist. They are on the verge of completing a planet-destroying, superweapon that will give them even more power, but the rebels stole the plans.

“Alright, men. blasters on pew.”

Initial Goal: Luke wants to farm moisture for one more season then leave his aunt and uncle for good.

Oppressive Opposition: Luke’s butthead uncle makes him do chores and stuff, rather than letting him hang out with his friends. Later, R2D2 runs away, which will only get Luke in trouble. When Luke goes after him, Sandpeople interrupt the simple task of bringing the runaway droid home.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Luke finds a portion of Princess Leia’s message in R2D2.

“I’m gonna need like, 5 minutes alone with this message.”

This prompts him to remove the droid’s restraining bolt, allowing R2 to run off in the night.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 33 of 120 minutes (27.5%) – After Obi-Wan saves Luke from the Sandpeople, he asks Luke to accompany him to Alderaan to learn the ways of the Force and help the princess. Luke must choose between farming moisture Tatooine or following a crazy old man across the galaxy to learn the Force

The New Role: If Luke accepts, he will become Obi-Wan’s Padawan learner.

If you don’t immediately chop off one of your limbs you’ve passed the first test.

Act Run Time: 43 of 120 minutes (35.8%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal. But when he receives a Reality Check, he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 43 of 120 minutes (35.8%)

Luke accompanies Obi-Wan to the scummy and villainous Mos Eisley (the unfamiliar situation) and faces dimwitted stormtroopers and bar patrons (incidental opposition) while trying to find a pilot to take them to Alderaan (transitional goal). But when some guy in an elephant mask reveals their location to the stormtroopers (the reality check) they become fugitives on the run from the Empire, trying to make it to a planet that has been destroyed by the Death Star (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Luke follows Obi-Wan to Mos Eisley and gets a crash course on scum, villainy, the Force, and just how dangerous the Empire is.

Transitional Goal: Luke and Obi-Wan attempt to find a ship and pilot to take them and the droids to Alderaan.

Incidental Opposition: In the Cantina, Luke is accosted by some ruffians for breathing up their air. Meanwhile, the stormtroopers are looking for the droids. This demonstrates the incidental nature of the Act Two Opposition. The Empire isn’t looking for Luke or Obi-Wan at this point.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Stormtroopers nearly find the droids who are hiding in a closet. The elephant man follows Luke and Obi-Wan and snitches on them to the stormtroopers. The troopers arrive and open fire just as the gang boards the Falcon. A shoot-out ensues with the Falcon taking off and jumping to lightspeed just in the nick of time. Maybe this whole droid delivery service wasn’t such a smart business move after all.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 54 of 120 minutes (45%) – Obi-Wan and Luke are initially just going to Alderaan to deliver the droids. But when the planet is destroyed by the Death Star, the duo inadvertently become the last hope for delivering the plans hidden in R2 to the Rebel Alliance.

Alderaan shot first.

Luke himself is now placed at direct odds with the Empire.

Act Run Time: 16 minutes of 120 minutes (13.3%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal. But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth.

Act Start Time: 59 of 120 minutes (49.1%)

The Empire pursues of the Rebels (the central conflict) and captures the Millennium Falcon (intentional opposition) while Luke and the gang are on their way to deliver the droids (the false goal). But when they are caught by the Death Star’s tractor beam and pulled inside (the turn), Luke discovers Princess Leia is onboard and must convince Han and Chewie to rescue her before she is executed (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Luke and the Rebels, vs. the Empire’s Death Star. It is in this act that Luke and the gang discover and contend with the Death Star.

False Goal: Luke and the gang attempt to escape the Death Star.

Intentional Opposition: The Falcon gets caught in the Death Star’s tractor beam and brought on board. The Emperor’s minions search the ship, and Luke’s crew sneaks into the control room under the noses of their enemies.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Leia is to be executed immediately. Meanwhile, the Death Star catches the Falcon in a tractor beam and pulls it into the base.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 68 of 120 minutes (57%) – R2 reveals Leia is on the Death Star and is scheduled to be terminated. When Luke realizes this, he wants to go save her. Han initially refuses, but Luke convinces him he will receive a huge reward if they rescue her. Luke comes up with a plan to gain access to the detention area, making the decision to fight for what he believes is right.

Act Run Time: 13 minutes of 120 minutes (10.8%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal. But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve.

Act Start Time: 72 of 120 minutes (59.9%)

Luke and Han cosplay as stormtroopers to sneak into the detention area (the doomed plan), but end up alerting the entire station to their presence (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to rescue the prince and escape the Death Star (the penultimate goal). But when Obi-Wan sacrifices himself for the others to escape (the lowpoint), Luke and Han shoot their way through the two Tie Fighters giving pursuit and escape to the Rebel base (the newfound resolve)..

The Doomed Plan: Rescuing the princess and escaping the Death Star will result in Obi-Wan’s death and the Empire learning the location of the Rebel base.

Penultimate Goal: Luke and Han cosplay as stormtroopers to rescue the princess and escape the Death Star.

Cannon fodder.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Luke and Han willingly go into the heart of the Death Star in attempt to rescue the princess. As a result, they bring the wrath of the Empire onto themselves.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Obi-Wan allows himself to be struck down by Vader so Luke and the gang can escape. Sad music plays.

“I’m getting too old for this shit.”

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 94 of 120 minutes (78.3%) – The Falcon is pursued by Tie Fighters as Luke and the gang exit the space station. They manage to outgun the enemy ships and escape. The audience is pleased. Leia points out that by sending their two worst Tie Fighter pilots to pursue them, the Empire has intentionally allowed them to escape. Knowing the Empire is tracking them, they decide to go straight to the Rebel base in hopes the stolen plans will allow them to destroy the Empire’s ultimate weapon. They have decided to make this the rebellion’s last stand. For some reason.

Act Run Time: 24 minutes of 120 minutes (20%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal. But just when it seems All is Lost, he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 96 of 120 Minutes (81.6%)

Luke and the Rebels use the stolen data tapes to plot their attack on the Death Star (the longshot, and face the full might of the Empire (ultimate opposition), as they try to destroy the Death Star once and for all (the ultimate goal). But when they fail to make the crucial shot and all but a few ships are destroyed (all is lost), Luke makes a final run on the canyon, sinks the shot with an assist from Han, and destroys the Death Star (the final push).

The Longshot: The Rebels use the stolen data tapes to plot their attack on the Death Star. The approach will not be easy. In fact, some say it’s impossible.

Ultimate Goal: Luke et al. attempt to destroy the Death Star.

Ultimate Opposition: The Rebels must fly straight up to the most powerful weapon of mass destruction ever created.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Vader deploys the tie fighters and goes to his own ship as Gold team attempts their attack run. Vader’s fighters show up and wreck the Rebel’s the plan, destroying all of Gold team’s ships. Red team attempts to make the run. Red Leader gets off a shot but misses. Way to go, Red Leader. Luke looks on as all his allies are blown away.

RIP Porkins

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 113 of 120 minutes (94.1%) – Luke takes his team in at full throttle, knowing this run is the rebellion’s last chance at success. As they approach the target, both of Luke’s wingmen are taken out by Vader and his squadron of TIE fighters. Luke readies his targeting computer, but Obi-Wan tells him to use the Force instead. This prompts Vader to declare “the force is strong with this one”. R2 takes a photon torpedo to the head-like portion of his cylindrical body. Just as Vader gets Luke ship in his sights, Han swoops in and blows Vader off into space, giving Luke his chance. Using the Force, Luke sinks the winning shot, blows up the Death Star, and the unlikely underdogs win the state championship!  

Act Run Time: 21 minutes of 120 minutes (17.5%)

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation.

Act Start Time: 117 of 120 minutes (99.1%)  

Having destroyed the Empire’s indestructible new weapon with his awesome pilot skills, Luke is the new darling of the rebellion. Even more amazing, Han is no longer a money-grubbing douchebag. All is seemingly set right with the universe.

The New Situation: Luke is the savior of the universe (in your face Flash Gordon). Han is no longer a scumbag. An awards ceremony is held for Luke and Han.

Sorry, Chewie (Rrrrrrr-ghghghghgh!)

 

Medals are awarded, and everyone cheers. The galaxy is saved… until the sequel.

Act Run Time: 3 minutes of 120 minutes (2.5%)

May the Force be with us all.

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: There Will Be Blood

Format: Movie

Released: 2007

Written and Directed By: Paul Thomas Anderson

Run Time: 151 Minutes

Character: Daniel Plainview

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Daniel Plainview (the imperfect situation) deals with life on the frontier (oppressive opposition) as he struggles to become a success as first a prospector and then wildcatter (initial goal). But when a miner dies in his oil well and Daniel adopts the man’s son (the disturbance) he is approached by Paul Sunday who sells him information on a potentially lucrative drilling location (the dilemma) prompting Daniel to travel there (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Daniel is struggling to build up wealth, first through prospecting, and then through wildcatting.

Initial Goal: Become a success.

Oppressive Opposition: Life on the frontier is no joke. Mining accidents are common. Daniel breaks his leg in search of silver. One of his workers later dies in a oil well accident.

Damn, not another one.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  – A mining accident kills one of Daniel’s men, orphaning the man’s infant son. Daniel adopts the boy as his own to assume the appearance of a family man.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 19 minutes (12.5%) – Now a successful oil man soliciting leases and investors, Daniel is approached by Paul Sunday, who tells him he knows of a place where the oil flows like water. Daniel agrees to pay for this information.

The New Role: Daniel becomes a temporary resident of Little Boston.

Act Run Time: 25 minutes (16.5%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 25 minutes (16.5%)

Daniel and HW arrive in Little Boston (the unfamiliar situation) and face naive but distrustful locals (incidental opposition) while trying to determine if there’s oil (transitional goal). But when Daniel tries to swindle the Sundays, and Eli proves a shrewd negotiator than assumed (the reality check) Daniel agrees to some of the terms and begins buying up land (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Daniel and HW arrive in Little Boston and seek out the Sunday ranch under the guise of going quail hunting.

Transitional Goal: See if there’s oil in Little Boston.

Incidental Opposition: Eli is distrustful of Daniel’s intentions.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: 33 Minutes – Over dinner with the Sundays, Daniel offers to buy the Sunday ranch for quail hunting. Eli points out that they have oil on the land making it worth more than the quail price Daniel offers. Eli demands $10,000 for the church.

Woo-Hah! I got you all in check!

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 36 Minutes (23.8%) – Having purchased the Sunday ranch, Daniel goes to the local realtor to begin buying up the surrounding area.

Act Run Time: 12 minutes (7.9%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 37 Minutes (24.5%)

Daniel slowly finds himself at odds with Eli Sunday and William Bandy (the central conflict), as the former has a divine sense of self-importance and the latter won’t sell his land (intentional opposition) while Daniel attempts to drill oil in Little Boston (false goal). But when HW is deafened in a gas explosion and Daniel’s long lost brother, Henry shows up (the turn) HW tries to burn Henry alive and Daniel has him shipped off to San Francisco (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Daniel is put at odds with Eli and eventually, HW. Daniel’s men begin arriving by train to start the operation. William Bandy won’t sell his land. HW learns Mary gets beat if she doesn’t pray. Daniel has a talk with old man Sunday.

False Goal: Drill the oil in Little Boston.

Intentional Opposition: HW is told to draw up a contract as he’s entitled to half of what his dad makes. William Bandy won’t sell his land.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: HW is deafened in a gas explosion. Daniel beats up Eli for being a false prophet and blaming the explosion on Daniel not allowing him to bless the well.

What did the five fingers say to the face?

Eli in turn beats up his dad. “Henry Plainview” arrives in Little Boston.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 81 minutes (53.6%) – Daniel gives HW a white Russian and send him to bed in the middle of the day. He then asks Henry what he wants. Henry wants a job. HW rummages through Henry’s stuff and finds a picture of a woman. That night Daniel tells Henry about his competitive nature and what he wants from life.

Don’t we all.

“I have a competition in m. I want no one else to succeed. I hate most people. … I’ve worked people over and gotten what I want from them and it makes me sick. Because I see that all people are lazy. They’re easy to take. I want to make enough money that I can move far away from everyone.”

When they go to sleep, HW tries to burn Henry alive. Daniel puts HW on a train to California.

Act Run Time: 54 minutes (35.7%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 91 Minutes (60.2%)

Daniel turns down Standard Oil in favor of Union, and gets to know his lost brother (the doomed plan) and antagonizes them both out of spite (self-inflicted opposition) as he attempts to build a pipeline to the California coast (penultimate goal). But when Henry reveals he’s an impostor and Daniel murders him (the lowpoint) he is caught by William Bandy who offers to absolve him and sell him his land if he is baptized at Eli’s church to which Daniel agrees (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Daniel turns down Standard Oil and their railroad and instead goes with Union Oil to build a pipeline for his Little Boston wells. He has to buy the remaining land from William Bandy, the holdout.

Penultimate Goal: Build a pipeline.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Daniel antagonizes Standard oil and murders the lying, impostor Henry in rapid succession.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Daniel murders “Henry” when the latter reveals he isn’t really his brother.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 108 Minutes (71.5%) The next day Daniel is awoken by William Bandy who knows about his pipeline and the murder. Bandy tells him if he is saved at the church he will sell him his land. At the church, Eli makes Daniel admit he abandoned his boy before slapping him up.

What did the five fingers say to the face, Daniel?!

Act Run Time: 25 of 151 minutes (16.5%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 116 of 151 Minutes (76.8%)

Daniel reunites with his son (the longshot) against his competitive, solitary nature (ultimate opposition) as he tries to be a good dad to HW (ultimate goal). But when HW attempts to go off into business for himself and the two have a falling out (all is lost), Daniel is visited by Eli and exacts revenge on his old rival to prove his superiority (the final push).

It brings all the boys to the yard.

The Longshot: Daniel brings HW back from California and they’re reunited.

Ultimate Goal: Be a good dad to his son. He struggles with this simple task.

Ultimate Opposition: Daniel’s competitive nature gets the best of him. He drunkenly insults Standard Oil again for their past slight against him not taken care of HW.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: About 16 years later in 1927, HW is grown up and marries Mary Sunday, Eli and Paul’s sister. HW approaches Daniel and asks him to dissolve their partnership so HW  can go into business for himself in Mexico. Drunk and angry, Daniel mocks HW’s deafness and reveals that he is actually an orphan. HW tells him he is glad they are not related and leaves for good.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 136 of 151 minutes (90%) Eli, now a successful radio preacher, visits Daniel who is drunk and passed out in his private bowling alley. He offers to sell the now dead William Bandy’s land to Daniel, who agrees on the condition that Eli denounce his faith and admit he is a fraud. When Eli does, Daniel reveals the property is worthless because he already drained its oil through slant drilling. Eli confesses he is broke from straying from his faith. Daniel taunts him mercilessly, before beating him to death with a bowling pin.

I could do this all day.

The End.

Act Run Time: 35 minutes (23.1%)

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: NA

The New Situation: We’re left to speculate what happens to Daniel and the plurality of his last line of dialogue…

I’m finished.
To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: The Shawshank Redemption

Format: Movie

Released: 1994

Written and Directed By: Frank Darabont

Run Time: 138 Minutes

Character: Andy Dufresne

I know I said in my last post that I’m working on a video breakdown for Back to the Future. That’s still the case, but I  recently received some feedback from someone under the erroneous impression that the Six Act paradigm is only applicable to action films. So, I wanted to demonstrate how the Six Actions are more subtly implemented in dramas (which is why they may not be as easy to recognize at first glance) by breaking down everyone’s favorite, least-action-packed prison escape film, The Shawshank Redemption.

Now back to Back to the Future.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Hotshot banker Andy Dufresne’s adulterous wife is murdered (the imperfect situation) and he is tried for her murder (oppressive opposition) where he tries to prove his innocence (initial goal). But when all evidence indicates Andy is guilty (the disturbance) and it appears he made the decision to kill her (the dilemma) he is sentenced to consecutive life sentences at Shawshank prison (the new role).

Hook: An angry looking Andy sits in front of a house at night, loading a gun and drinking straight from the bottle. We then flash forward to Andy on trial for his wife’s murder.

The Imperfect Situation: Andy’s wife is cheating on him. They have an argument and she leaves him. She is found murdered with her lover the next day. Andy is found guilty and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

He takes it about as well as expected.

Meanwhile Red has served 20 years of his life sentence. At his parole hearing he admits to being a changed man, but his parole is denied.

Initial Goal: Andy wants to prove his innocence in his murder trial.

Oppressive Opposition: All evidence indicates Andy is guilty. He is badgered by the prosecution over this.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  Andy’s wife is murdered in a manner that indicates he did it.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 2 of 138 minutes (1.4%) – Andy is put on trial for his wife’s murder. The trial is overlaid over the fateful night in question where it appears that he makes the decision to kill her. As such he is found guilty.

The New Role: Andy becomes a convicted felon sentenced to life in prison.

Act End: Red’s parole request is denied.

Act Run Time: 7 of 138 Minutes (5.1%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 7 of 138 Minutes (5.1%)

Andy arrives at Shawshank prison (the unfamiliar situation) and must avoid falling victim to violent guards and sodomites (incidental opposition) as he tries to adjust to and survive prison (transitional goal). But when the sisters beat Andy to within an inch of his life and the captain of the guard pays them back on Andy’s behalf (the reality check), the warden offers Andy a job in the library as a front for handling prison finances (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Andy is sent to 1940s prison. It’s about as pleasant as one would imagine.

Transitional Goal: Adjust to and survive life in prison.

Incidental Opposition: The guards beat a new inmate to death on Andy’s first day. Andy is targeted by the Sisters and raped. In the butt. This goes one for two years.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Andy is cornered by the sisters on movie night. When he refuses to give them all blowies, they beat him within an inch of his life. While Andy is in the infirmary, the head guard beats the leader of the sisters even worse and has him transferred to a medical prison to serve out the rest of his days.

Poetic Justice.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 48 of 138 Minutes (34.8%) – The warden does a walk through to toss cells. This is a pretense for meeting Andy, the tax code whiz kid. Shortly after Andy is called into the warden’s office and offered a better position than working in the laundry.

Act End: The warden tells Andy, “Perhaps we can find something more befitting a man of your education.”

Act Run Time: 45 of 138 Minutes (32.6%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 52 of 138 Minutes (37.7%)

Andy slowly finds himself at odds with the warden (the central conflict) and does his first stint in solitary (intentional opposition) as he begins handling the warden’s ill-gotten gains (false goal). But when prison librarian Brooks is paroled and hangs himself on the outside (the turn) Andy tells Red about the warden’s money laundering scheme (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Andy vs. Warden Norton

False Goal: Handle the warden’s illicit finances. Get the library upgraded.

Intentional Opposition: Andy crosses the warden and does his first stint in solitary.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Brooks is paroled and kills himself when he can’t adjust to life on the outside. Andy receives a shipment for the library including records. He locks the warden’s office and plays opera over the loudspeaker.

It really gets the crowd moving.

When he gets out of the hole, he tells Red and the guys that hope is what keeps him alive. He gets Red a harmonica as a reminder.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 81 of 138 minutes (58.7%) – Andy tells Red about his money laundering for the warden and who Randall Stevens is. He also tells Red that his work for the warden allowed the library to built and helps get inmates their diplomas.

Act End: Andy tells Red he works cheap and that’s the trade off. The siren rings for new prisoner delivery.

Act Run Time: 32 of 138 (23.2%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 84 of 138 Minutes (60.9%)

Andy takes young Tommy under his wing (the doomed plan) and brings the warden’s wrath onto himself (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to help Tommy get his life together (penultimate goal). But when the warden has Tommy killed to keep Andy incarcerated (the lowpoint) Andy has an unnervingly cryptic conversation with Red and decides to implement his escape plan (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Andy takes a shine to Tommy and tries to help him get his life together.

Penultimate Goal: Andy begins helping Tommy get his GED so he can get a job and go straight when he gets out.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: When Andy goes to the warden about Tommy’s revelation, he makes the mistake of telling him he won’t say anything about the money laundering. He is subsequently thrown in the hole for 2 months.

You can smell him through the screen.

Meanwhile, Tommy is killed by the guards.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Andy tells the warden about Tommy’s revelation. When the warden doesn’t want to listen, Andy calls him obtuse and the warden flips out on him. When Tommy reveals he knows the person who really killed Andy’s wife, he is killed to silence him about Andy’s innocence.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 100 of 138 minutes (72.5%) – Andy is released from his 2 months in the hole. He reveals his true self to Red who tries to console him. Andy tells him about Zihuatanejo, Mexico and where he wants to live the rest of his life. Red tries to talk him out of dreaming like that.

Act End: Andy tells Red “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” He makes Red promise to visit the hayfield in Buxton.

Act Run Time: 23 or 138 Minutes (16.7%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 107 of 138 Minutes (%)

Andy implements his 20 year escape plan (the longshot) and must climb through sewage (ultimate opposition) to escape the prison and live free (ultimate goal). But when Andy’s buddies think he killed himself (all is lost) he is revealed to be missing from his cell the next day at roll call (the final push).

The Longshot: After 20 years of planning, Andy implements his escape plan.

Poetic Justice.

Ultimate Goal: Escape from Shawshank and live free.

Ultimate Opposition: Andy must escape the inescapable prison, steal the warden’s money and escape into Mexico without being apprehended.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Andy’s buddies discuss his mental state and Haywood admits he gave Andy a six foot length of rope. That night, Red wonders if Andy is killing himself in his cell.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 110 of 138 Minutes (79.7%) – The next day at headcount, Andy is missing. The warden is furious.

The moment you realize you’re fucked.

 

Act End: After Andy’s grand escape, Red confesses, “I guess I just miss my friend.”

Act Run Time: 18 of 138 Minutes (13%)

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 125 of 138 Minutes (91%)

Red fulfills his promise to Andy and the two friends meet in Mexico as free men (the new situation).

The New Situation: Red has another parole hearing where he tells it like it is.

In Morgan Freeman’s velvet baritone.

He is surprisingly granted parole. Unable to adjust to life on the outside, he contemplates killing himself, but remembers his promise to Andy, follows Andy’s trail and meets him in Mexico.

Act Run Time: 13 of 138 minutes (9.4%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Movie Structure Breakdown: Back to the Future

Format: Movie

Released: 1985

Written By: Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

Run Time: 111 Minutes

Character: Marty “Hello” McFly

I took advantage of being snowed in over the weekend and watched the entire Back to the Future trilogy in a single sitting. If there’s any movie franchise worthy of such a treatment this is it. All three movies are insanely interconnected and, as I only just realized as an adult, chronicle about 15 consecutive days in the life of Marty McFly (though only two full days pass over the whole series in 1985). I’ll be posting a video breakdown for YouTube for my next update.  Stay tuned, storytellers.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Teenage slacker Marty McFly is embarrassed by his loser family (the imperfect situation) and hounded by his school principal (oppressive opposition) as he tries to enter the Battle of the Bands and hang out with his girlfriend, Jennifer (initial goal). But when Doc calls Marty to the mall and reveals he’s built a time machine (the disturbance), the Libyan terrorists Doc double crossed for plutonium find him and kill him, and Marty inadvertently activates the time machine to escape (the dilemma) stranding himself 30 years in the past (the new role).

Hook: We come in on Doc’s lab. He has a ridiculous number of clocks and a Rube Goldberg machine for feeding his dog. After being missing for a week, Doc calls Marty and asks him to meet him at the mall at 1:15 AM in the morning. For science.

The Imperfect Situation: The news reveals Plutonium was stolen by terrorists. Marty is late for school, again. Mr. Strickland catches him and gives him detention after telling him he’s a slacker like his father. Marty’s submissive father loans his car to Biff who crashes it, ruining Marty’s weekend plans with Jennifer.

Initial Goal: Be a quintessential 80s teenager. Play rock and roll at the school dance and go to the lake with Jennifer.

Oppressive Opposition: Mr Strickland tells Marty he’ll never amount to anything just like every other McFly in history. Marty’s band is dismissed from Battle of the Band tryouts for being too loud. Biff wrecks Marty’s dad’s car, ruining Marty’s trip to the lake with Jennifer. Biff is pretty much running over the McFly household.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  A sleeping Marty gets a phone call from Doc shortly after midnight reminding him to come to the mall. When Marty arrives, Doc reveals his Delorean time machine and gives Marty a demonstration by sending Einstein one minute into the future.

Ah, the flame retardant fashions of the 80s.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 18 of 111 minutes (16.2%) – After Doc refills the plutonium chamber, the Libyans arrive and gun him down before he can debark. Marty decides to jump in the Delorean and outrun them.  When he tries to hit 90 (willingly?) he is transported to old man Peabody’s farm in 1955. Marty is chased off by Peabody and realizes he really is in 1955. When the Delorean won’t start and he discovers he’s out of Plutonium, Marty hides the car and walks the two miles into town.

The New Role: Marty becomes a man out of time.

Act End: Marty looks at the “Hill Valley 2 Miles” sign as he walks along the highway into town.

Act Run Time: 35 of 111 minutes (%)

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 35 of 111 minutes (31.5%)

Marty wanders around in 1955 (the unfamiliar situation) and is viewed as an idiot by the people of the era (incidental opposition) as he tries to figure out what to do and track down Doc (transitional goal). But when Marty meets his parents and interferes with their first meeting (the reality check), he finds Doc who informs him he must get his parents to fall in love or be erased from existence (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Marty stumbles around 1955 Hill Valley confused by his surroundings.

Transitional Goal: Figure out what he’s going to do. Track down Doc.

Incidental Opposition: Marty is viewed as an idiot by everyone he encounters.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  After meeting his dad at the cafe, Marty follows him for some reason. He sees his dad spying through a girl’s window with binoculars and realizes his dad was a Peeping Tom. When his dad falls into the street Marty saves him, altering the meeting of his mom and dad. Instead of his dad being hit by his mom’s father’s car and being nursed to health by Marty’s mom, Marty is hit and takes his place.

A classic brown chicken, brown cow or brown egg scenario.

He learns that his mom was actually a little sexpot, despite her prudish demeanor in the future. 

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 47 of 111 minutes (42.3%) – Marty goes to Doc’s house to solicit his help. Doc initially doesn’t believe him but when Marty recalls how Doc bumped his head and created time travel, the pair figure out they can use the clock tower lightning strike to send Marty back to the future. Doc tells Marty it is important not to interact with anyone. Marty reveals he already met his parents. Doc surmises Marty has interfered with their meeting and will be erased from existence if he doesn’t bring them back together.

Act End: Doc tells Marty his brother has been “Erased… from existence.”

Act Run Time: 20 of 111 minutes (18%)

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 55 of 111 Minutes (%)

Marty must convince his mother and nerdy father to fall in love (the central conflict), overcoming George’s meekness, his mother’s infatuation and Biff’s meaty fists (intentional opposition) to get George and Lorraine to go to the dance together (false goal). But when Biff interrupts George asking Lorraine out and Marty’s interference only makes Biff and Lorraine come after him harder (the turn), Lorraine follows Marty to Doc’s and Marty comes up with a plan to make his dad fight for Lorraine’s affections (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Marty must overcome his father’s ineptitude, his mother’s lust and Biff’s ill temper to bring his parents together.

False Goal: Get George to ask Lorraine to the Enchantment Under the Sea rhythmic ceremonial ritual.

Intentional Opposition: George is too scared to ask Lorraine to the dance. Lorraine wants to hook up with Marty. Biff wants to hook up with Lorraine and beat Marty to a pulp.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Biff bursts into the cafe as George is about to ask Lorraine out.

This is heavy.

Marty punches Biff in the face and leads him on a skateboard chase, only further enamoring his mother and leaving George looking like chopped liver.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 68 of 111 minutes (61.3%) – Marty returns to Doc’s where he finds Doc watching the tape from the night Marty left 1985. Marty tries to tell Doc the truth about that night (i.e. Doc is murdered to death), but Doc refuses to hear it. Lorraine shows up, revealing that she followed Marty, and asks him to the dance. Marty agrees to take her, but comes up with a plan to get George to come to Lorraine’s rescue.

Act End: Lorraine tells Marty she thinks a man should be strong so he can protect the woman he loves and asks if he does as well. Marty says, “Yeah.”

Act Run Time: 17 of 111 minutes (15.3%)

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 72 of 111 Minutes (64.9%)

Marty enacts a plan to make George look like a hero (the doomed plan), but is foiled by his promiscuous mother and a vengeful Biff (self-inflicted opposition) before George can save Lorraine from her attacker (penultimate goal). But when George knocks out Biff only to revert to his timid ways at the dance, causing Marty to begin to disappear (the lowpoint) George rescues Lorrain again and the two have their first kiss (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Marty comes up with a plan to get handsy with Lorraine on their date and have George come to her rescue. This plan backfires when Lorraine is revealed to be looser than she let on to Marty in his past, and Biff interrupts instead of George.

Penultimate Goal: Get George to beat him up to win Lorraine’s love. 

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Against Doc’s wishes, Marty writes Doc a note to warn him about the Libyans. Marty can’t go through with his own plan to get handsy with his mom, and his past transgressions against Biff come back to get him.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Biff interrupts Marty and has his goons lock him in the trunk of a car. Thinking he’s stopping Marty, George busts in on Biff molesting Lorraine. When Biff pushes Lorraine to the ground, George deck him one, winning Lorraine’s affection. It is revealed that Marvin, the band’s guitarist, injured his hand getting Marty out of the trunk. Marty takes his place to get his parent to kiss on the dance floor. When someone pushes George away and takes Lorraine, Marty begins to disappear.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 85 of 111 minutes (76.5%) – George steps back in, pushes away the dweeb and lays one on Lorraine’s kisser. Marty plays Johnny B. Goode to celebrate.

I feel Goode!

Act End: After Marty leaves his parents at the dance, Lorraine tells George, “Marty. Such a nice name.”

Act Run Time: 19 of 111 minutes (17.1%)

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 91 of 111 Minutes (82%)

Doc and Marty try to catch a bolt of lightning (the longshot) facing off with nature and the space time continuum (ultimate opposition) to send Marty back to 1985 (ultimate goal). But when tree debris disconnects Doc’s contraption, the Delorean starts to malfunction and Marty can’t warn Doc about his impending murder (all is lost) Doc scales the clock tower like a boss, and ziplines down to reconnect everything as Marty is jolted back to the future to stop Doc’s murder (the final push).

The Longshot: Doc and Marty attempt to catch lightning to send Marty back… to the future.

Ultimate Goal: Use the clock tower lightning strike to send Marty Back to the Future.

Ultimate Opposition: Everything has to be perfectly aligned. The forces of nature and space time disagree with Marty and Doc’s plan. Doc still ain’t trying to hear no talk about his future.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Doc finds Marty’s letter. The storm knocks over a tree branch, separating the cable. Doc nearly falls to his death from the clock tower. Marty has the idea to go back earlier and save Doc, but the time machine malfunctions. Doc has to repel down the clock tower to reconnect the cable in the nick of time.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 101 of 111 minutes (91%) Marty arrives back in 1985 against the protest of hobos. When the Delorean won’t start he rushes back to the now Lone Pines Mall via skateboard. He watches himself flee from the terrorists after Doc is shot by the Libyans.

Insert Benny Hill music.

Shortly after Marty discovers that Doc is alive and actually read his letter of warning.

Act End: Doc shows Marty the letter from 1955 and reveals that he read it. Because, “What the hell.”

Act Run Time: 14 of 111 minutes (12.6%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 105 of 111 Minutes (94.6%)

Marty’s family is now successful and all his previous troubles are over (the new situation).

The New Situation: Marty returns to his home. When he awakens the next day, he finds his brother and sister are now successful, his father is a confident author, his mother is healthy, and Biff is the family’s obsequious manservant. Marty also now has a sweet 4×4.

Act Run Time: 6 of minutes (5.4%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

 

Film Structure Video: Avatar

New video breakdown for a surprisingly old movie still waiting on its preplanned sequel to be released. Seriously, since Avatar was released Disney bought Marvel and Lucasfilm, and put out three Star Wars movies. What are you doing with all that fancy 3D gear, James?

 

Movie Structure Breakdown: Obvious Child

Title: Obvious Child

Format: Movie

Released: 2014

Written and Directed By: Gillian Robespierre

Run Time: 80 Minutes

Character: Donna Stern

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Recently dumped, soon-to-be unemployed comedienne, Donna (the imperfect situation) struggles to get on with her life (oppressive opposition) as she tries to get over her ex (initial goal). But when she has a one night stand with a nice, straitlaced guy (the disturbance) she discovers she is pregnant (the dilemma) and decides to get an abortion (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Donna’s boyfriend breaks up with her for one of their friends. The bookstore she works at is being closed. Her relationship with her mother is strained. She can’t get over her ex. She’s a drunken mess.

Initial Goal: Get over Ryan

Oppressive Opposition: Donna’s mother is on her back for not taking her future seriously. Her ex is moving on with his life while she struggles to do the same.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  After bombing at stand-up, Donna meets a straitlaced guy whom she hits it off with. After a night of partying they sleep together.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: 29 minutes (36.3%) – While trying on clothes, Donna realizes her boobs are sore and, combined with her late period, deduces that she is pregnant. She resolves to get an abortion.

The New Role: An aborter.

Act Run Time: 34 of 80 minutes (42.5%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 34 of 80 Minutes (42.5%)

Donna is pregnant (the unfamiliar situation) but isn’t far enough along in her pregnancy (incidental opposition) to get the abortion (transitional goal). But when Max comes to her job to ask her out (the reality check) she wonders if she should tell him about her abortion plans (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Donna is prego and getting an abortion. Two firsts, one stone.

Transitional Goal: Get an abortion

Incidental Opposition: She isn’t far enough along in her pregnancy to get the abortion and must wait until Valentine’s Day. Her impregnator, Max, unexpectedly shows up at her job and she wonders if she should tell him about the abortion.  

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Max comes into the store as Donna and Nellie are packing up books. He asks her out, but she’s in a bad place and doesn’t want to talk to him.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: 41 of 80 Minutes (51.3%) – Donna has dinner with Nellie and Joey and decides to tell Max she’s pregnant and having an abortion.

Act Run Time: 10 of 80 minutes (12.5%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: 44 of 80 Minutes (55%)

Donna waffles over who she should tell (the central conflict) and fails to even to tell her mother (intentional opposition) before attempting to tell Max (false goal). But when Max shows up at her mom’s house out of the blue (the turn) Donna attempts to tell him over lunch and fails (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Donna vs. whether she wants to tell Max about her abortion.

False Goal: Tell Max (and to a degree, her mother) she is pregnant and getting an abortion.

Intentional Opposition: Donna first attempts to tell her mother about the abortion, only to be blown off. Max mentions his dreams of having a family and Donna hesitates to tell him.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: While Donna is hanging out at her mom’s house, Max, who is revealed to be a student of her mom’s, shows up unexpectedly.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: 47 of 80 minutes (58.8%) – Donna agrees to lunch with Max and tries to tell him about her situation, but he brings up how he’d like to be grandpa and she can’t do it.

Act Run Time: 6 of 80 minutes (7.5%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: 50 of 80 Minutes (62.5%)

Donna goes to a flat with Sam, blowing off Max (the doomed plan) and faces Sam’s awkward advances (self-inflicted opposition) instead of telling Max about the abortion (penultimate goal). But when Sam tries to sleep with her she realize she was wrong (the lowpoint) and decides again to tell Max the truth after an intimate conversation with her mom (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Donna goes to a flat with Sam, a long time admirer of hers in whom she has no interest, blowing off Max in the process.

Penultimate Goal: Don’t tell Max she’s pregnant and getting an abortion.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Donna spends an evening with Sam, despite the fact that his unreciprocated advances have caused issued in the past.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Donna goes with Sam to the loft he’s house sitting. He tries to sleep with her.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: 58 of 80 minutes (72.5%) Donna goes to her mom’s, reveals she is pregnant and gets a motivational speech about her mom’s own abortion.

Act Run Time: 12 of 80 minutes (15%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 62 of 80 minutes (77.5%)

Donna resolves to come clean to Max (the longshot) but he dutifully avoids her (ultimate opposition) when she tries to tell him about the abortion (ultimate goal). But when she finally tells him in front of the audience as part of her routine and he leaves, (all is lost) he shows up as she is heading to the clinic and asks to come with her for support (the final push).

The Longshot: Donna resolves to tell Max the truth.

Ultimate Goal: Tell Max you’re getting an abortion.

Ultimate Opposition: After the Sam incident, Max seems to be avoiding her and won’t return her calls.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Donna tells Max (and the audience) she’s getting an abortion when he comes to her stand-up act. Max leaves before her set ends.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: 70 of 80 (87.5%) – Max shows up as Donna and Nellie are waiting for their cab to take them to the abortion clinic. Max apologizes for leaving during her standup. Donna’s name is called for the procedure, but before she leaves she and Max hug.

Act Run Time: 15 of 80 minutes (18.8%)

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 77 of 80 minutes (96.3%)

Donna and Max now relax and get to know each other while putting the past behind them.

The New Situation: Donna has had an abortion. She and Max veg out, watching Gone with the Wind. If they can make it through that they can make it through anything.

Act Run Time: 3 of 80 minutes (3.75%)

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

 

Six Act Structure in Short Stories – Part 2

Title: Second Variety

Format: Short Story

Released: 1953

Written By: Phillip K. Dick

Run Time: 45 Pages

Character: Major Joseph Hendricks

Phillip K. Dick’s early short story, Second Variety, is another excellent example of a story that follows the Six Act progressions of actions and goals. Later made into the 1995 movie, Screamers, it follows the story of Major Joseph Hendricks, a UN commander on a desolate Earth who makes peace with his Russian enemies when self-replicating robots threaten to destroy humanity (I’m paraphrasing considerably). If you haven’t had the pleasure, you can read it here.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Major Joseph Hendricks commands a UN bunker on an Earth decimated (the imperfect situation) in a war between the UN and Russia (oppressive opposition) that the UN is trying to win (initial goal). But when a Russian troop arrives with a request for truce (the disturbance) Hendricks decides to negotiate himself (the dilemma) and sets off as the UN ambassador (the new role).

The Imperfect Situation: Earth has been reduced to nuclear ruin after a war between Russia and the UN. Nearing defeat, the UN created autonomous, self-replicating killer robots called “claws” to kill the Russian soldiers that turns the tide of the war. Although the robots are programmed not to attack UN troops, everyone is disquieted by them.

Initial Goal: Win the war against the Russians.

Oppressive Opposition: Humanity is at war and the UN troops live a bleak existence.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance:  A Russian soldier approaches a UN outpost and is killed by the “claws”. The UN troops find he had a message on it requesting a meeting to discuss a truce.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: Page 2 of 45 (4.4%) – Major Joseph Hendricks decides to go handle the negotiations himself.

The New Role: Hendricks becomes a diplomatic ambassador

Act Run Time: 5 of 45 Pages (11.1%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: 5 of 45 Pages (11.1%)

Hendricks traverses the scarred landscape (the unfamiliar situation) worried the meeting is a trap (incidental opposition) as he goes to discuss a truce (transitional goal). But when he encounters an orphaned boy who begs to come with him (the reality check), the Russians kill the boy and reveal he is a new variety for robotic claw (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Hendricks goes to a treaty with the Russians, and navigates the ruined landscape of Earth, meeting a strange orphan along the way.

Transitional Goal: Meet with the Russians to discuss a truce.

Incidental Opposition: Hendricks worries the truce is a trap. He meets an orphan boy, David, who unnerves him.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check:  En route to the Russian base, Hendricks encounters an orphaned boy named David who requests to come with him. Hendricks acquiesces bringing the boy along. When he reaches the base the Russians shoot and kill the boy, and it is revealed that he was a new type of “claw” that the self-replicating robots have created themselves.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: Page 14 of 45 (31.1%) – The three surviving Russians, Rudi, Klaus and a prostitute name Tasso, explain the situation with the new varieties of claws. He learns that there are 3 varieties: David (three), and the wounded soldier (one), but they don’t know what the second variety is. Hendricks resolves to contact the UN bunker.

Act Run Time: 13 of 45 Pages (28.8%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time: Page 18 of 45 (40%)

Hendricks and the Russians must figure out the mystery of the second variety (the central conflict) as they begin to distrust each other (intentional opposition) while trying to contact the UN bunker (false goal). But when one of the Russians kills another (the turn), Hendricks receives a message from the UN bunker and decides to investigate (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Hendricks and the Russian’s versus the mysterious second variety of claws.

False Goal: Contact the UN bunker.

Intentional Opposition: The group begins to distrust each other, thinking the others might be the second variety.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: One of the Russians, Klaus, kills the other, Rudi, because he believes he is the mysterious “second variety” of claws the Russians speculated existed. However, his remains prove he was in fact human.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: Page 25 of 45 (55.5%) – Hendricks finally receives a response from the UN bunker, but the voice is faint and he can’t determine if it is indeed one of his men. With no way to be certain, Hendricks makes the decision to return to the UN bunker to verify.

Act Run Time: 9 of 45 Pages (20%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time: Page 27 of 45 (60%)

Hendricks and the 2 remaining Russians go to the UN bunker (the doomed plan) where Hendricks gets them all attacked (self-inflicted opposition) while trying to determine if the bunker has been seized (penultimate goal). But when Klaus is revealed to be a claw and Hendricks is gravely wounded (the lowpoint) Tasso convinces him they should take the evacuation shuttle to the UN moon base (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: The trip to the UN bunker leaves Hendricks gravely wounded and Klaus dead.

Penultimate Goal: Return to the UN bunker to verify if it has been overtaken by claws.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: Instead of turning away from the bunker when his men refuse to come out, Hendricks attempts to go in and a swarm of claws attack his party.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: When Hendricks approaches the bunker it is revealed to be infested with the first and third variety of claws. Hendricks and Tasso fight them off and retreat, but Klaus is overrun. When Klaus is later revealed to have survived, Tasso shoots him, revealing he is actually a claw: the second variety. Hendricks is gravely injured from the confrontation at the bunker.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: Page 35 of 45 (77.7%) – Tasso suggests that Hendricks get them to the Moon Base. Hendricks remembers there is an evacuation shuttle at an old well.

Act Run Time: 12 of 45 Pages (26.6%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: Page 39 of 45 (86.6%)

Hendricks attempts to take the shuttle (the longshot) and is out maneuvered by Tasso (ultimate opposition) who wants to get to the moon base (ultimate goal). But when they discover the rocket only seats one and Tasso convinces Hendricks she should go (all is lost) he explains how to access the base and is left to defend himself until she can send rescue (the final push).

The Longshot: Take the evacuation rocket to the Moon Base.

Ultimate Goal: Find the evacuation rocket to flee to the Moon Base.

Ultimate Opposition: Hendricks versus Tasso’s manipulation.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: When they find the rocket, they discover it is only built for one person. Thinking the injured Hendricks won’t survive the trip, Tasso determines to got herself. When she convinces him she will send rescue, he decides to give her the directions for reaching the base.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: Start Time: Page 42 of 45 (%) – Hendricks explains to Tasso how to access the Moonbase. Tasso throws him her pistol to defend himself, before rocketing away.

 

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: 43 of 45 pages (95.5%)

The New Situation: When Tasso departs, Hendricks investigates Klaus’ corpse more closely. He sees the type plate for Klaus’ model reads IV, the fourth variety, not the second. When a swarm of claws begin to descend upon him, Hendricks sees a number of Tasso’s in their ranks, and realizes she was the second variety and he has given her access to the remains of humanity on the Moon Base. It is implied that humanity will be destroyed by the Claws.

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!

Six Act Structure in Short Stories

Title: You Know They Got a Hell of a Band

Format: Short Story

Released: 1992

Written By: Stephen King

Run Time: 19 Pages

Character: Mary and Clark Willingham

Salutations, storytellers! I was recently asked how the Six Act paradigm applies to structuring short stories and, frankly, I’d never really attempted to analyze short stories.

I have since read through a few (subjective) classics to see how applicable the structure is. There seems to be more divergence from the full length structure in short fiction, which I attribute to the the mediums focus on succinctness and poignancy. This leads me to believe you’re more likely to find the traditional three acts of Setup, Confrontation/Problem, Resolution at the structural core of short stories, without the need (or length) for the character’s progression through the six actions.

While most short stories seem to eschew the six act paradigm entirely, Stephen King’s short story You Know They Got a Hell of a Band  is a good example of a short story that follows the the Six Act structure for the most part, but deviates to an unhappy ending for the protagonist. As such, the resolution of the story in the sixth act seems to only be implied.

You can read it here if you haven’t already.

ACT ONE: DEALING WITH AN IMPERFECT SITUATION

A character in an Imperfect Situation faces Oppressive Opposition as he pursues an Initial Goal . But when there is a Disturbance to his routine, he faces a Dilemma regarding his situation, and must assume a New Role .

Mary is convinced to go on a unmapped trip through the backwoods of Oregon (the imperfect situation) by your stubborn and pushy husband (oppressive opposition) to get to Toketee Falls (initial goal). But when Mary falls asleep and has an ominous dream (the disturbance), Clark gets them lost in the woods and unable to turn around (the dilemma/the new role).

Hook: After snoozing during a road trip, Mary wakes to discover she and her husband are lost in the backwoods of Oregon.

The Imperfect Situation: The story flashes back to her husband, Clark, attempting to convince her to go on a road trip exploring out of the way parts of Oregon. He proves to be stubborn and unrelenting against Mary’s protests until she finally acquiesces. Although they have been married for nearly 15 years, their relationship is tumultuous, with Clark repeatedly failing to heed Mary’s advice and her giving in to his stubbornness.

Initial Goal: Take a backwoods path to Toketee Falls.

Oppressive Opposition: Clark is stubborn and doesn’t listen to Mary’s advice.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Disturbance: Start Time:  Page 2 of 19 (10.5%) – Mary falls asleep and has an ominous dream about a jukebox filled with bloody body parts.

Turning Point One – The Dilemma: Start Time: Page 3 of 19 (15.8%) – While Mary is asleep, Clark comes to a second fork in the road and opts not to turn around. When the road again peters out into a narrow unpaved trail, Mary is jolted awake and Clark finally admits they’re lost. They debate what to do, and Clark, having given up on Toketee Falls and realizing the impossibility of driving in reverse back through two miles of the narrow road, convinces her they should continue on the path until they find a road.

The New Role: Mary and Clark become lost travelers.

Act Run Time: 5 of 19 Pages (26.3%)

 

ACT TWO: LEARNING THE RULES OF AN UNFAMILIAR SITUATION

The character Learns the Rules of an Unfamiliar Situation and faces Incidental Opposition in pursuit of a Transitional Goal . But when he receives a Reality Check , he makes a Commitment to his New Role.

Act Start Time: Page 5 of 19 (26.3%)

Mary and Clark are lost in the woods, (the unfamiliar situation) and unable to turn around on the narrow path, (incidental opposition) as they attempt to get unlost (transitional goal). But when they come across a sign for a local town, (the reality check), Clark insists they drive through the town instead of turning around (the commitment).

The Unfamiliar Situation: Mary and Clark are lost in the backwoods and unable to turn their car around.

Transitional Goal: Get unlost.

Incidental Opposition: The road deteriorates further, with the trail now surrounded by swamp.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Reality Check: Start Time: Page 5 of 19 (26.3%) – They come to a pathed road and a sign for a town called “Rock and Roll Heaven”.

Turning Point Two – The Commitment: Start Time: Page 6 of 19 (31.6%) When they crest the hill, the picturesque, Norman Rockwell town gives Mary the heebie-jeebies. She suggests they turn around and go back the way they came. Clark again argues against her protests and the two drive into the town.

Act Run Time: 2 of 19 Pages (10.5%)

 

ACT THREE: STUMBLING INTO THE CENTRAL CONFLICT

The character stumbles into the Central Conflict and faces Intentional Opposition in pursuit of a False Goal . But when there is a grave Turn of events, he has a Moment of Truth .

Act Start Time:  Page 7 of 19 (36.8%)

Mary and Clark meet the strange locals (the central conflict) who insist they stay in town for the nightly concert (intentional opposition) as they try to pass through town (false goal). But when Mary realizes several of the employees at the local diner are dead rock stars (the turn), she is warned to leave by one of the waitresses and devises an escape plan (the moment of truth).

The Central Conflict: Mary and Clark versus the dead rock stars of Rock and Roll Heaven

False Goal: Pass through the town to Toketee Falls.

Intentional Opposition: When Clark insists on stopping at a diner, the meet several locals who are insistent they stay for the nightly concert.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Turn: Start Time: Page 10 of 19 (52.6%) – Mary realizes one of the waitresses is the late Janis Joplin.

Turning Point Three – The Moment of Truth: Start Time: Page 10 of 19 (52.6%) – The other waitress gives Mary a napkin with the words “GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN” written on it. Realizing Clark is oblivious to their situation, Mary devises an escape plan.

Act Run Time: 4 of 19 Pages (21%)

 

ACT FOUR: IMPLEMENTING A DOOMED PLAN

The character implements a Doomed Plan and faces Self-Inflicted Opposition in pursuit of a Penultimate Goal . But when an unthinkable Lowpoint occurs, he pulls himself together and discovers a Newfound Resolve .

Act Start Time:  Page 11 of 19 (57.8%)

Mary and Clark drive for the town exit (the doomed plan) and are pursued by the undead locals (self-inflicted opposition) as they try to escape the town (penultimate goal). But when they crash into the Magic Bus blocking the road out (the lowpoint) they attempt to flee on foot and are stopped by Elvis Presley (the newfound resolve).

The Doomed Plan: Mary and Clark attempt to drive out of town.

Penultimate Goal: Escape the town.

Self-Inflicted Opposition: When Mary attempts to run out of the restaurant, she brings the supernatural denizen of the town in pursuit of her and Clark.

Turning Point Catalyst – The Lowpoint: Start Time: Page 16 of 19 (84.2%) – They crash into a bus blocking the exit out of town and their car won’t restart.

Turning Point Four – The Newfound Resolve: Start Time: Page 16 of 19 (84.2%) Though Mary seemed resolved to their fate, Clark suggests they run. This rekindles Mary’s determination to escape, until they are confronted by the town’s mayor, Elvis Presley.

Act Run Time: 6 of 19 Pages (31.6%)

 

ACT FIVE: TRYING A LONGSHOT

The character tries a Longshot and faces Ultimate Opposition while trying to accomplish the Ultimate Goal . But just when it seems All is Lost , he makes a Final Push against the forces of antagonism and either succeeds or fails.

Act Start Time: 17 of 19 Pages (89.5%)

Mary hopes they will be allowed to leave the town (the longshot) but they are surrounded by the undead rock stars (ultimate opposition) as they attend the nightly concert (ultimate goal). But when the waitress who tried to warn them reveals the true nature of the town (all is lost) Mary realizes they will be stuck there forever.

The Longshot: Mary hopes that if they sit through the concert they’ll be allowed to leave.

Ultimate Goal: Attend the “nightly” concert.

Ultimate Opposition: At the concert, Mary sees the waitress who gave her the warning has had several of her fingers cut off for it. The undead rock stars are also violent.

Turning Point Catalyst – All is Lost: Start Time: Page 18 of 19 (94.7%) – Before the concert, the waitress who warned them to leave reveals that time works differently in the town, the concerts go on for years, and she has been stuck in the town for at least six years. Mary realizes that “Rock and Roll Heaven” is actually “Rock and Roll Hell”.

Turning Point Five – The Final Push: NA

Act Run Time: 2 of 19 Pages (10.5%)

ACT SIX: LIVING IN A NEW SITUATION

Having accomplished (or failed to have accomplished) the Ultimate Goal, the character is shown living in a New Situation .

Act Start Time: NA

The New Situation: It is implied that Mary and Clark will now spend eternity in Rock and Roll Heaven.

To learn more about six act structure, purchase your copy of “ Actions and Goals: The Story Structure Secret ” today!